Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday confirmed their commitment to the China Pakistani economic corridor (CPEC), and agreed to promote his next phase through five new corridors designed to expand cooperation in the most important economic sectors.
At their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the two leaders emphasized that the Pakistan-China partnership was unique and unmatched and agreed that this bond should be reflected through improved collaboration across several fields.
Prime Minister Shehbaz confirmed the desire to continue working closely with China for the successful implementation of the next phase of upgraded CPEC, which called the project a flagship of President Xis Belt and Vej initiative (BRI).
Shehbaz valued China’s unreasonable support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and socio-economic development and said CPEC would help both nations to build an even stronger Pakistan China community with a shared future.
President XI assured the prime minister that China would continue to help Pakistan in all areas of economic growth and development, especially as the second phase of CPEC is underway.
Earlier in August, both countries confirmed their unshakable commitment to the development of upgraded China-Pakistan-economic corridor (CPEC) in the 6th strategic dialogue between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of the relationship between Pakistan-China, discussed important regional and global issues, and exchanged views in different areas of cooperation, including CPEC 2.0, trade and financial ties, multilateral engagement and people-to-people exchange.
At a common press setting, DAR highlighted the complete unanimity between the two countries on larger bilateral, regional and global affairs, adding that they were encouraged by Wang Yi’s vision to promote cooperation, especially in the upgrade of CPEC to its next phase.
Read: PM confirms obligation to elaborate on cooperation with China in minerals, key sectors
Today, the two leaders also reviewed wider bilateral relations and regional developments and agreed to maintain close coordination on global and regional issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to President Xi’s visionary and transformational leadership that has inspired China’s journey towards modernization and progress, adding that “Pakistan was very proud of China’s results and would always be ready to work with China on this great journey.
PM Shehbaz Sharif @Cmshehbaz Met President Xi Jinping in Great Hall, where delegations from both sides held extensive conversations about bilateral and regional cooperation.
Under President XI’s visionary leadership, our strategic partnership continues with all breaths of getting stronger, … pic.twitter.com/i2jliuzamn
– Ishaq Dar (@Mishaqdar50) September 2, 2025
Shehbaz congratuated President XI for the SCO Council for State Meeting in Tianjin and on the 80th anniversary of the world’s anti-fascist war.
The Prime Minister also expressed Pakistan’s support for President XI’s global initiatives, including the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, which calls them contribution to regional as well as global peace, stability and development. Said Shehbaz.
Shehbaz called on President XI to make an official visit to Pakistan next year, with the two countries celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The Prime Minister is in Beijing after attending the 25th meeting of the SCO Council Council’s heads in Tianjin.
During his stay, he will also participate in the anniversary celebration of the World War against Fascism and turn to the China-Pakistan business-to-business conference.
